This week: Kyle Gass’ Tenacious D side-project Trainwreck, currently on a West Coast tour.

Why Trainwreck: “I came up with it in 2002,” remembers guitarist Kyle Gass. “I was thinking of starting something in addition to Tenacious D and it just seemed like the worst idea. I thought I’d cover my bases and beat everyone to the punch by calling the band Trainwreck. Back then the term was just starting to enter the lexicon in reference to celebrities and stuff, too, so it seemed apropos. And the rarity of trainwrecks adds to the horribleness of them. When one does happen, it’s a head-on. The sheer physics involved… wow! Next question.”

Previously Rejected Names: “We never considered another name. Trainwreck was perfect. It was one of those poopies that comes out and you don’t have to wipe. I did use the name Butterfly Conspiracy for a couple shows, though. That was pretty bad.”

Best Band Names Ever: “The Who is clever. It should’ve just been ‘Who’ though. I always liked No Doubt, too. You just know it was something they were all saying too much and then decided to call their band. They probably regret it now.”

Worst Band Name Ever: “I don’t like when bands combine things to make their name, like the Brian Jonestown Massacre. That’s always bad. I thought Failure was a horrible band name. Remember them? Exactly.”